Community profiles were created as a result of Homeless Counts conducted in 16 communities across British Columbia in 2020 and 2021.

In 2020, the Province of British Columbia funded homeless counts in 16 communities. Eight of these counts were completed before March 17, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the remaining eight counts were put on hold until 2021. They were completed with additional pandemic precautions in place.

  • BC Housing, Homelessness Policy and Partnerships Branch Ministry of Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, and the Homelessness Services Association of BC collaborated on the homeless counts in B.C.
  • Homeless counts give important baseline information on the estimated number, key demographic and service provision needs of people experiencing homelessness. A Point in Time count (PiT count) provides a snapshot of people who are experiencing homelessness in a 24-hour period.
  • The 2020/2021 homeless count survey included new questions about racial identity and acquired brain injury.
  • This data will help the Province and communities better understand who is experiencing homelessness and why. The results can inform the development of supports and services that will best help people in need, in different communities.
  • This is a complex issue that requires complex and coordinated solutions. We’re working hard to turn the tide on the number of people experiencing homelessness in B.C.

Homeless counts funded by B.C. government in 2020/2021

2020-21 Report on Homeless Counts in B.C.

This report provides a broad picture of homelessness in British Columbia, with coverage of close to 88% of the province by population. It details important baseline information on the estimated number, key demographic, and service provision needs of people experiencing homelessness in B.C. communities.

Read full report

 

Learn more about the 2018 Homeless Counts findings in the following community profiles below:

2018 Report on Homeless Counts in B.C.

This report provides a broad picture of homelessness in British Columbia, with coverage of more than 85 percent of the province by population. It details important baseline information on the estimated number, key demographic, and service provision needs of people experiencing homelessness in B.C. communities.

Read the full 2018 Homeless Counts report